Alternative to Section 21 “not fit for purpose” says lettings group

The government’s wish to use a modified Section 8 as an alternative to Section 21 for landlords seeking possession of their property just won’t work according to a leading lettings sector trade group.

The Residential Landlords Association has written to its members to say that the government plan to scrap S21 - announced yesterday - is the latest in a series of changes that have “hammered” landlords.

“This could be the last straw for some” says the letter from RLA chairman Alan Ward.

He says S8 requires “significant improvements” and that the new Housing Courts system needs time to bed in - and these should happen before S21 is abolished.

“We are seriously concerned things are moving far too fast. There is no doubt that the government’s plan is a threat to the very existence of some landlords. But we must not let this threat overwhelm us” he continues.

Ward cites the experience of Scotland where the equivalent of S21 was removed and replaced with a comprehensive list of 18 grounds for landlords to take back their property. 

“If the British Government takes similar action, we need to make sure we are similarly protected” he insists.

Although the government’s formal consultation on its proposals to scrap S21 are now out, the Residential Landlords Association is itself launching a survey of its members in a few days time on Good Friday.

“The results of this research will be the basis of our submission to government.We have surveyed members many times, but this is the most important yet. We need your views, your evidence, your experience. Tell us through the survey and we will tell government” concludes Ward.